i need free virus protection for my computer
Updated on: January 15, 2022
Short on time? Here's the best free Windows antivirus for 2022:
- 🥇 Avira: Superior unhampered antivirus protection that includes real-time malware scanning, a unhazardous shopping telephone extension, a privacy + operation optimizer, and a free VPN.
- Download Avira Free Security for Windows here.
I tested every uncommitted antivirus I could find against thousands of sure-enough and new Windows malware files. Running virtual environments for various PC operating systems from Windows 7 – Windows 10, I non only looked at each antivirus's malware protection capabilities, but also its user interface and its reputation for safeguarding user privacy. This wasn't an easy task, and I noninheritable that there are only a couple of free antiviruses out there that provide decent protection for Windows computers.
Merely in that respect are also some really fresh free antivirus programs that offer improvements over Windows's inherent protections. I was at last able to find 5 free downloads that each offer free computer virus trade protection alongside a decent set of free internet security tools.
That said, every free antivirus is going away to include few frustrating limitations. That's why I ever recommend investing a bit bit every calendar month into premium antivirus software that includes aegis against all types of malware — with extra features look-alike a VPN, password coach, parental controls, and dark web monitoring (Norton 360 has every of these features, is stratified A the best antivirus package for 2022, and is very affordable).
I proved and ranked each out-of-school antivirus listed here for malware detection, ease of use, and additional cybersecurity features. Regrettably, no free antivirus includes all of the features you need for complete protection, but it's better to protect yourself with the best released antivirus than no antivirus at all!
Quick summary of the best escaped Windows antiviruses for 2022:
- 1.🥇 Avira — Best overall free antivirus for Windows in 2022.
- 2.🥈 Panda — Strong virus protection with good additional features (like a gaming mode).
- 3.🥉 TotalAV — Simple free antivirus with an intuitive interface (recommended for beginners).
- 4. Kaspersky — Free extras like a VPN, dark World Wide Web monitoring, and a password manager.
- 5. Malwarebytes — Minimalistic antivirus with on-demand scanning.
- Bonus. Sophos — Good real-time scanning with remote access for 3 PCs.
- How to Choose the Best Free Windows Antivirus for Your Needs.
- Comparison of the Best Free Antiviruses for Windows in 2022.
- Frequently Asked Questions around On the loose Antiviruses for Windows.
UPDATE (2022): One of the top antivirus providers, Norton, recently abstracted its free package, so I've removed IT from this inclination. But Norton really is one of the better internet security measures providers out there, thus if you assume't want to deal with the hassles of a free antivirus, a low-toll agio antivirus like Norton 360 is always a good prize. (Read the full Norton 360 brush up here.)
Yes, You Already Ingest a Free Antivirus on Your PC, Only It International Relations and Security Network't Good Enough
Your Windows electronic computer already comes with Windows Defender (some newer Windows 10 computers call it "Windows Security" or "Microsoft Protector") — which, arsenic we saw in our full review, is a decent on the loose antivirus. But the problem with Windows Defender is that IT's rarely updated, it doesn't include additive internet security protections, and it frequently has vulnerabilities that don't get fixed (sometimes for several age!). Plus, Windows Defender systematically ranks below the top antivirus scanners in our nonparasitic lab testing. That's why I always recommend keeping your Microcomputer as off the hook as possible with third-company antivirus software.
All of the independent antiviruses listed here are significantly better than Microsoft's Windows Defender antivirus. The free downloads on this list are from top-notch cybersecurity companies that are offer their premium antivirus protection for unloose. These are many of the lead antivirus and opposed-malware engines in the world — and our independent lab tests have confirmed that these antivirus engines are much stronger, quicker, and better than Microsoft's Windows Defender.
And some of the free programs on my list also include additional cybersecurity protections. My #1 clear Windows antivirus, Avira Free Security for Windows, is particularly generous with its free offerings, but flush Avira's free plan has some annoying limitations that don't exist happening its paid plans.
In general, cybersecurity companies try to tempt you with their free products, but they're ultimately looking to convert you into a paying customer. If you're looking for the best trade protection for all of your devices, you'll need to pay for premium antivirus software. Unluckily, there's no mode around this.
However, if you're just looking for a apiculate free malware scanner with a few decent web protections that behind improve on Microsoft's Defender, and then all of the products on this list wish be operative enough for you.
Free Antivirus vs. Stipendiary Antivirus
Free antiviruses like Avira and TotalAV are jolly good, but their paid versions are way fitter — to begin with, they come with all of the cyberspace security system protections you need to stay as safe as contingent online. And I'm not only talking most anti-malware auspices here.
Premium antivirus package for Windows as wel includes extras like a VPN (to ensure you'rhenium anonymous online), a password manager (to protect your sensitive data, including financial information), and parental controls (to make sure your child is fortified connected the internet). In concert with a malware scanner, these tools are crucial to building a good online defense against hackers, scammers, and predators.
What's more, paid antiviruses also admit best customer support, so you know you fire flummox help removing malware, accessing a feature article, operating theatre solving any otherwise issue with your antivirus at all times. Free antiviruses, on the other mitt, don't admit live chat and sound support, so the merely way to get assistance is to read a knowledge domain, post a question connected a forum, or send a ticket.
Top Brands That Didn't Make the Cut:
I've gone a years compilation and rewriting this heel to guarantee that I'm offering you a high-quality resourcefulness. You may constitute surprised to see that some of the top antivirus brands didn't make the top 5. Hera are a few of them:
- Avast. Patc Avast — and their subsidiary antivirus company AVG — continue to offer up two pieces of widely used free antivirus software (Avast Free Antivirus and AVG AntiVirus Free) their continual privacy violations have caused as well many an concerns. You can read more here.
- McAfee. McAfee is one of my favorite antiviruses of 2022. It comes with an advanced anti-malware engine, excellent web protections, and a VPN with unlimited data. But unfortunately, McAfee doesn't have a free programme. However, if you need a flooding-quality antivirus, McAfee's low-set-cost cyberspace security packages are some of the Sunday-go-to-meeting on the market.
- Norton. It's really a shame that Norton doesn't even feature a "free trial" of its Windows antivirus. But same I said earlier, Norton is stillness one of the best antiviruses in the world for protective PCs, so if you're looking premium protection, Norton is probable the best option.
🥇1. Avira Out-of-school Security for Windows — First Unrestrained Antivirus in 2022
Avira Free Security for Windows is my favorite free Windows antivirus in 2022 — IT has one of the go-to-meeting anti-malware engines on the market, includes more free features than any other competition, and is really comfy to use.
Avira's virus scanner operates in the cloud — so its detection and analysis doesn't actually take station on your PC — making Avira super fast, lightweight, and low on system resources.
Avira's anti-malware engine detected all of the malware files in my examination, and I was able-bodied to run CPU-intensive programs during scans with almost nothing slowdown. Paid programs like McAfee and Norton are evenly effective at detecting malware, but their full disk scans will slow down your organization much more than Avira leave.
Avira's free antivirus also comes with some excellent extra features, such as:
- Safe Shopping web browser extension.
- Privacy & functioning optimizer.
- VPN (500 MB monthly restrict).
- Password managing director.
- Game booster.
- Firewall.
- File shredder.
- And Thomas More…
The Safe Shopping browser annexe for Firefox and Chromium-plate is really good — information technology blocks suspicious phishing sites, web trackers, and unwanted advertisements. The extension too automatically recommends golf links to better deals when shopping online. I was actually capable to find a lot of good deals, simply IT didn't work 100% of the fourth dimension (still pretty good though!).
I'm also a big fan of Avira's privacy and execution optimization tools — they clean out my cookies and junk files, and also fixed hidden privacy settings that were leaking personal information on the web.
That said, I call back the VPN that comes with Avira's free antivirus is not that good. It's limited to barely 500 MB per month, which is barely enough to watch a couple of actually short videos, and it only lets you connect to 1 server fix.
If you want a blistering and reliable VPN with unlimited data, multi-device support, and later system optimization tools, you should turn over upgrading to Avira Prime , which costs €52.30 / year — it's a bit pricier than many competitors, but it's one of the optimum antivirus suites of 2022.
Bottom Line:
Avira's cloud-based, free virus scanning railway locomotive is one of the best on the market — it's lightweight, fast, has perfect detection rates, and is 100% free. I'm also a big devotee of Avira's Harmless Shopping browser extension phone and privacy optimizer, both of which offer significant improvement over Microsoft's integral protections. To get more advanced internet security protection, you'll need to acclivity to one of Avira's paid plans, which begin at €40.10 / year — simply in price of free Windows antiviruses, it doesn't get better than Avira.
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Read the full Avira review here >
🥈2. Panda Free Antivirus for Windows — Good Virus Protection with Decent Extras
Panda Free Antivirus for Windows is lightweight, secure, and easy to use — during my tests, Coon bear's antivirus scanner detected significantly more than adware, spyware, and ransomware files than Windows Defender. Panda's period aegis also performed really well, blocking most of the malware files I tried downloading to my PC.
I also like that Panda has a gaming mode in its free antivirus — whenever you're playacting a game or watching a telecasting in orotund screen, Panda automatically suspends notifications.
Another affair that makes Panda a good option for Windows users is the Rescue Kit feature, which allows you to download a bootable version of Panda to a USB drive then use the USB drive to clean an infected PC and get it up and running once more.
Panda's free antivirus also comes with a unattackable VPN. It provides fast connection speeds, but it only lets you connect to 1 server and has a data point of accumulation of 150 MB per twenty-four hours — this is a big improvement concluded Avira's 500 MB per month, but IT's still non nearly adequate data for streaming or file sharing. If you'Re interested in unlimited cyclosis Beaver State torrenting, you'll involve a better VPN (check out our list of the best antiviruses with VPNs hither).
You can merely get unlimited VPN data (and access to select different worldwide servers) on the Lesser panda Dome Premium plan, which also offers extra features care a firewall, anti-ransomware protection, anti-phishing protection, advanced system prolusion tools, a password coach, and parental controls, for €46.73 / year. All of Panda's premium plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line of work:
Panda's free antivirus is a good, easy-to-use antivirus, offering 100% free real-time malware protective cover. With lightweight malware scanning, an automatic play mode, a Deliverance Kit up, and a VPN, Panda is an excellent free internet security product. However, the VPN is finite to 150 MB per day on a single waiter. If you want unlimited VPN admittance — and other extras suchlike a firewall, anti-phishing, password manager, and parental controls — you'll need to upgrade. Panda offers 4 diametric pricing tiers for paid users, which start at €16.74 / year, soh it's easy to determine the right architectural plan for you — or you give notice just give back Panda Free a try and upgrade later.
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Read the full Panda review here >
🥉3. TotalAV Free Antivirus — Near Self-generated Spare Antivirus
TotalAV Free Antivirus provides excellent virus and phishing protection — during my tests, TotalAV's defile-based malware scanner heard and removed to a greater extent malware samples than most antivirus programs, with success characteristic even very tricky ransomware and cryptojacking files.
TotalAV's phishing protection is also very good. It uses a huge blacklist to identify illustrious phishing sites as swell as an AI-powered phishing detection system to detect new threats. In my testing, the anti-phishing tool scored a go up-perfect detection rate, stopping Pine Tree State from entrance Thomas More malicious sites than Chrome's pure phishing tool.
TotalAV is likewise the all but intuitive liberated Windows antivirus on this list, with gentle-to-use and easy-to-understand features and functions inside a minimalistic, fit-premeditated splashboard. I had no problems navigating TotalAV's dashboard, and I found it very simple to access and use all of the provided tools.
That said, TotalAV's free plan for Windows doesn't attach to a deal of protections. The biggest drawback of TotalAV Free Antivirus is that it doesn't bear true-time aegis, meaning you won't amaze notified in case a vixenish file attempts to make changes to your PC in real time.
Upgrading to one of TotalAV's premium plans brings you real-time malware protection as well as useful extras similar device optimisation tools, a VPN with unlimited data, a password managing director, and more. TotalAV's paid plans start at €16.56 / year, and they're completely hardcover aside a unhazardous money-back guarantee for 30 days.
Bottom Line:
TotalAV's disengage Windows antivirus is excellent at removing malware and blocking phishing sites. It's also one of the just about intuitive antivirus programs on the grocery store, which makes it an ideal choice for beginners. However, TotalAV Free doesn't come with real-time protection and it doesn't include whatsoever extra features. To get serious-clock scanning, PC optimisation tools, and a VPN with no limitations, you'll need to upgrade to peerless of TotalAV's low-priced insurance premium plans, which start at €16.56 / year.
Download TotalAV Free Now
Read the full TotalAV limited review here >
4. Kaspersky Security department Cloud (Free) — Good Rank of Free Features
Kaspersky Security Cloud — Free is good at detecting and removing malware, and information technology also comes with plenty of extras — including:
- VPN (200 MB daily limit).
- Password manager (15 entries limit).
- Information breach monitoring (lone 1 account).
- Basic system cleanup tools.
- File shredder.
- Essential keyboard.
Kaspersky's free antivirus provides good period of time malware protection, simply its additional features are very limited.
Kaspersky's VPN provides access to 1 server location and 200 Megabyte per 24-hour interval — more each day data than Panda or Avira — only calm not enough for streaming or opposite data-heavy tasks.
And Kaspersky's discharge watchword managing director only saves a aggregate of 15 entries — this includes some logins and sensitive documents (like credit card game or passport details). I can't tell I'm too impressed with Kaspersky's data breach monitoring either — free users can lonesome check the email related to with their Kaspersky account (and they let to do it manually, different professional customers who develop automatic data breach checks).
If you like Kaspersky's port and you want access code to its unlimited VPN, word handler, parental controls, and web protections, then you'll have to upgrade to one of Kaspersky's paid plans, which start at €26.15 / year. All Kaspersky purchases include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Kaspersky's free antivirus comes with a nice malware scanner and a ton of extra features, but nearly of them are very modest in functionality. Kaspersky's VPN has a time unit cap of 200 MB, the parole manager lets you store busy 15 logins and credit cards, and the data rupture monitoring only checks 1 email plow. Upgrading to one of Kaspersky's compensated plans gets you all of these features without any limitations, plus extras equal parental controls, front web protections, and more.
Download Kaspersky Free Now
Understand the full Kaspersky review here >
5. Malwarebytes Free — Minimalistic Virus Scanner
Malwarebytes Free is a good choice for users looking for a simple antivirus scanner that they can install and forget about. Malwarebytes's virus image scanner uses a virus database besides atomic number 3 heuristics to catch all types of malware — and IT performed pretty well in my tests, detecting around 90% of the malware files I hid on my PC.
Separated from the scanner, Malwarebytes Free likewise comes with a browser reference that protects against a wide array of threats, including malware, ads and trackers, scams, and PUPs. One of the things I like the most about this extension is that all of the protections are turned on past default option, so there's nothing for you to do (but you can easily turn off one operating theater all of the protections).
In my tests, Malwarebytes's browser extension blocked the majority of speculative sites I unsuccessful to visit, scoring a 90% phishing detection rate. Nonetheless, the extension wasn't equally accurate at blocking ads — I visited dozens of sites filled with ads, and Malwarebytes blocked exclusively close to a third of the ads.
Malwarebytes's free plan is a simple virus scanner with a good phishing instrument, just information technology unfortunately doesn't stimulate period of time malware protective cover. To get real-time scanning, you'll pauperism to upgrade to Malwarebytes Superior, which provides coverage for adequate to 5 devices and starts at €34.86 / year. Malwarebytes Premium + Privacy also adds a good VPN for €87.17 / year. Both of Malwarebytes's premium plans are covered by a generous 60-day money-punt guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Malwarebytes Free is a minimalistic antivirus scanner with good virus detection and removal rates. It also comes with a browser extension that blocks malware, phishing sites, ads, and trackers. Upgrading to Malwarebytes Premium brings you real-time protection and reporting for up to 5 devices, whereas Malwarebytes Premium + Privacy also adds a VPN.
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Read the full Malwarebytes review >
Fillip. Sophos Internal Free of — Easy Remote Management
Sophos Home Free offers pretty not bad unfreeze anti-malware protection. It also includes many helpful web protections and covers capable 3 PCs (totally within its free antivirus package).
In my antivirus testing, Sophos was able to find a decent total of virus and malware threats, just it missed all of my test ransomware files — that's because Sophos's unfixed interpretation doesn't include ransomware protective cover, which I think is a beautiful big problem. And while Sophos also offers basic anti-phishing protections (they're better than Chrome's built-in protections) they'atomic number 75 non nearly as every bit good as Avira's unconfined anti-phishing tools.
One matter I really like about Sophos is its remote direction feature — you can lumber into Sophos's online dashboard and access antivirus scanning and real-time protection updates happening up to 3 devices.
In summation to multi-device protection and inaccessible direction, Sophos is also a decent superior for families because it has free paternal controls. However, Sophos's parental controls are pretty basic — you can only choose which categories of sites to block. If you're look for advanced parental controls look-alike app scheduling and location tracking, you should consider a premium antivirus like Norton 360 Deluxe.
Sophos Home Free is pretty good, and Sophos Home Premium adds advanced malware and ransomware scanning, additional web protections, and coverage for up to 10 devices, for €39.22 / year — and IT has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Logical argument:
Sophos offers pretty good antivirus scanning and remote management for high to 3 devices — which is jolly generous for a free antivirus. Sophos's spare version also has basal parental controls (only subject filtering) and anti-phishing protection.Users looking for coverage on up to 10 devices, advanced malware and ransomware tribute, and later web safety tools should upgrade to Sophos Interior Premium.
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Show the full Sophos review Hera >
How to Choose the Uncomparable Free Windows Antivirus for Your Needs
- Malware detection. The main resolve of an antivirus is to protect you against malware, and so you want to make sure the program you're running on your device has a good malware image scanner that is able to identify both known and new malware, including trojans, spyware, ransomware, rootkits, and keyloggers. Every of my top choices accept perfect or near-perfect malware detection rates.
- Minimal slowdown. An antivirus may dragging down your system, making it heavily to stream contentedness, play games, OR even crop the web, particularly during a overloaded system scan. But programs like Avira and TotalAV are pretty lightweight, so you won't even notice they're there.
- Features. While nigh free antiviruses are pretty finite in terms of features, about free programs include a couple of extras. For example, Avira has a standard free password manager, Coon bear has a costless VPN (150 MB/day), and Kaspersky has data breach monitoring.
- Ease of use. Windows Defender is already bad easy to use (it's always running), so a free antivirus has to be very simple to habit and offer the same fantabulous substance abuser experience that Microsoft has built into its autochthonic PC antivirus. All of the products on this list possess easy dashboards, intuitive features, and decent client support.
- Reall relieve. Numerous cybersecurity brands try to trick you into buying a premium product by offering a relinquish trial then making you pay to keep using the product. I've personally checked to make steady that all of the brands listed here offer free protective covering. Piece this protection may Be elemental (and while the company may try to upsell you to a paid antivirus), all of the antiviruses listed here get some kind of 100% emancipated antivirus protection.
Comparison of the Best Free Antiviruses for Windows in 2022
Antivirus | Compensable Version (Starting Monetary value) | Real-Metre Protection | Entanglement protection | Extra Features |
1.🥇 Avira | €40.10 / year | Yes | Yes | Basic system tune-up, VPN, and word managing director |
2.🥈 Panda | €16.74 / year | Yes | No | Rescue kit and grassroots VPN |
3.🥉 TotalAV | €16.56 / year | No | Yes | / |
4. Kaspersky | €26.15 / year | Yes | No | Basic system of rules cleanup, VPN, password manager, and data breach monitoring |
5. Malwarebytes | €34.86 / year | Atomic number 102 | Yes | / |
Bonus. Sophos | €39.22 / year | Yes | Yes | Outback management &adenylic acid; protection for 3 PCs |
What's the get with free antiviruses?
There is no such thing atomic number 3 a truly free antivirus. You're forever going to "pay" with something. Most antivirus companies limit the free version of their software to only offer basic protection. This leaves a lot of holes in your computer's cybersecurity defense. The antivirus fellowship hopes you'll recognize you're not well-protected, and they'll strain to get you to upgrade to the paid be after by sending you a ton of notifications and advertisements.
Some other antivirus companies even sell free users' information to large corporations for marketing purposes — the popular free antivirus Avast (WHO too owns AVG) was honorable accused of doing this direct matter.
If you're only using your twist for simple online browsing surgery word processing, you're probably fine with a free antivirus (and the ones on this list are the best free antiviruses out there). Just, in general, if you store any sort of sensitive information connected your Windows gimmick, information technology's always ameliorate to place in a stentorian-featured internet security entourage than it is to trust a free antivirus.
Why should I exercise other free antivirus instead of Windows Shielder?
Windows Defender is not a bad antivirus — it even ranks a little bit better than about third-company free antiviruses. But it just can't compete when top cybersecurity companies like Avira and Panda are handing out superior unfreeze antivirus software, almost altogether of which offer free protection against threats Windows Guardian doesn't protect against (like phishing sites, venomous web trackers, data breaches, etc.).
Indeed, most of the products on this list have well better free antivirus protection than Microsoft's intrinsic Windows Defender antivirus.
You can read this blog post if you'd wish to learn Thomas More about why Windows Defender isn't near enough to keep users rubber in 2022.
Is it safe to use a disembarrass antivirus?
If you choose an antivirus plan from a trustworthy company, then yes. All of the brands on this list here are perfectly safe to use — the only departure between their free and paid versions is that the paid software package includes additional features, like a VPN, a password manager, and paternal controls, likewise As improve customer support options.
What's the second-best free antivirus?
Avira is my #1 pick for the unsurpassable free antivirus in 2022. It has one of the best antivirus scanners on the market, information technology's very easy to use, and IT has a great range of additional features (web tribute, functioning optimization tools, a password manager, a game booster, and a VPN).
While Avira Free is a genuinely good antivirus, information technology does have both limitations — you can only use it on one device, it doesn't allow for ransomware protection, and the bundled VPN is limited to only 500 MB per month (scarcely enough to watch a few videos).
If you want full virus trade protection, a VPN with no limitations, and coverage for up to 5 Windows, Macintosh, Android, and iOS devices, I recommend you take a look at Avira Prime.
Is Avast free?
Yes, Avast does have a free antivirus, but I father't recommend you use it, as Avast has been accused of collecting and selling user data for profit — you can read Thomas More about what happened present.
If you need a unconstrained antivirus, pick out a view our list of the best sovereign antiviruses in 2022 surgery just download Avira Free. But please hold over in judgment that all free antiviruses consume some limitations — for illustration, Avira's excellent free antivirus doesn't have ransomware protection, and you can only use it on unmatchable device.
If you want the best security for whol of your devices, you need to pay for a premium antivirus syllabu like Norton OR Bitdefender.
What are the most common types of viruses that affect Windows computers?
Spell there are literally billions of malware attacks rumored annually, trojans and adware are consistently the just about common types of malware found happening Windows computers.
Trojans look like unusual files with extensions the like .exe and .physician — but formerly downloaded, trojans fanny start a back door attack to steal user data, to incorporate a Windows device into a botnet, to pay a hacker upfront access to a computer, or to simply clangour and erase the smooth Bone.
Because hackers are perpetually developing new malware for Windows, information technology's crucial that your antivirus uses a malware database that's consistently updated. Avira's malware scanner is based in Avira's cloud, so its malware database is always stylish, with no need for users to worry about downloading operating room installing database updates.
Will Windows allow me to install a free antivirus?
Utterly! Windows will mechanically turn off Microsoft's built-in virus protection when a new third-political party antivirus software is installed. If you decide to uninstall your 3rd-company antivirus, your PC will automatically ask you to reactivate the Windows Protector antivirus.
That said, if you'rhenium going to replace Defender, you should consider investing a little bit into premium cybersecurity protection. Free antivirus software just isn't American Samoa good arsenic paid antivirus softwares — you really do get what you pay for, and when it comes to keeping all of your devices and digital information safe, a paid antivirus same Norton 360 is definitely worth the investment.
If you're looking sophisticated auspices and much of other great cybersecurity features, feel out this listing of the best premium antivirus products on the marketplace.
If PC protection is important to you, cheque SafetyDetectives's best premium antiviruses for Windows (Updated 2022):
€17.43 - €261.45 / year
€20.92 - €56.66 / year
€16.56 - €51.44 / year
€34.86 - €74.10 / year
€40.10 - €52.30 / year
€34.86 - €87.17 / year
i need free virus protection for my computer
Source: https://www.safetydetectives.com/blog/best-really-free-antivirus-for-windows/
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